NOVPUBTalia’s body stiffened, and her gaze could only remain fixed on Lanci.
The originally soft lighting inside the restaurant now seemed blindingly harsh, the bright crystal chandelier casting dazzling light, like a merciless spotlight enveloping them, leaving nowhere to hide.
Just when Talia felt at a loss, each breath becoming heavy and difficult, she suddenly saw Lanci regain his composure.
She seemed to have found her savior, gripping Lanci’s hand tightly.
"No problem, please change it to a four-section waterfall cheese handmade beef burger."
Lanci first spoke to the waiter with ease, then slowly shifted his attention to the Communication Magic Card,
"The thing is, you know Tata loves the Animal Forest series of merchandise, so today I ordered her the staff-recommended set meal. It might not be enough, but she can get a doll and a lottery ticket, and as for couple accessories, it just so happens to be a festival here in the Poseen Kingdom."
He methodically spoke to Hyperion.
"Right."
Talia added from the side.
Although she felt Lanci’s explanation was somewhat insulting, she had to be grateful for his adroit emergency public relations skills.
Lanci was undoubtedly a public relations expert!
As long as she was the only one eating the couple’s set meal, Hyperion wouldn’t mistake her and Lanci for being in a romantic relationship.
"So that’s the case."
Hyperion seemed relieved when he heard that.
Thinking about it more carefully, Lanci and Tata probably wouldn’t want any accessories; they seemed to disdain each other usually, and it was even less likely for them to wear matching couple jewelry from Ichrite.
"However, are you two out on a date today?"
Hyperion asked puzzledly.
As a child brought to Floral City Pariel in the Poseen Kingdom by Migaya many times, she was quite familiar with the place. Today was the kingdom’s fireworks festival, and it was usually couples who went out together.
It was beyond her expectations that Lanci and Tata would go to a restaurant together today; it was just like a couple on a date.
"We’re usually in Ichrite, so we didn’t pay much attention to these festivals in other countries; it’s no different from any other day for us."
Talia replied helplessly yet naturally.
Dismissing today’s ambiguous overtones was important.
She had begun to adopt some of Lanci’s way of thinking.
"Also, I was a bit out of it this morning. I did a full round of work before I realized it was a day off."
Lanci said with a hint of weariness in his voice. 𝔫𝖔𝔳𝔭𝔲𝔟.𝖈𝔬𝔪
"Hard work Lanci, make sure to rest well."
Hyperion quickly expressed concern, as if she couldn’t believe Lanci could make such a mistake, he must be really tired.
"..."
Talia felt this man was just too much, deceiving little Hugh in circles.
Now, it was Hyperion who was comforting him.
No, he didn’t actually tell a lie, it was all true.
How did he manage to do that!
Talia looked at Lanci with a complex gaze as if looking at a scumbag, but upon reflection, it was she herself who was holding hands with him. He was cooperating with her to get through a difficult time, and she really had no right to criticize him.
At that moment, she felt secure being with Lanci because he could smooth things over, and in a crisis, they always managed to complement each other.
As they chatted casually and the atmosphere started to improve,
"Mommy, how are they going to eat if they’re holding hands?"
A little girl, who had been curiously looking at them, asked her mother.
It seemed she had been curious for quite some time, sneaking glances over at Lanci and Talia.
The girl’s gaze was innocent and unguarded, her head cocked, her large eyes blinking, her innocent face filled with confusion, clearly sensing the unusual atmosphere between the man and woman.
Her question was quickly hushed by her parent, who cast an apologetic glance their way.
After apologizing, the mother quickly bent down to whisper something in her daughter’s ear, her tone a mixture of reprimand and consolation. The little girl pouted, nodding her head in semi-understanding.
This left Lanci and Talia breathless.
It seemed that the voice from a moderate distance had also been heard by Hyperion at the other end of the communication.
"Haha, all the people over there are couples, huh? How stupid some couples are, holding hands even when eating."
Hyperion laughed.
She had seen the same thing during the fireworks festivals in the Poseen Kingdom.
"..."
The two of them felt imprisoned, starting to sweat more and more on their hands.
Lanci and Talia were certain they couldn’t continue this communication; the restaurant was fraught with danger!
"Why aren’t you saying anything...?"
Hyperion was struck by a sense of unease.
It could hardly be Lanci and Tata holding hands.
"I’m looking at a fool!"
Talia said, glancing at Lanci and lowering her voice.
"...Me too."
Lanci, maintaining a half-smile, warned himself not to squabble with Talia.
"Don’t let others catch on."
Hyperion immediately felt she had worried over nothing, letting out a subtle sigh of relief.
At least, she couldn’t imagine the perpetually bickering Lanci and Tata holding hands.
Even when she opened doors, she could see Lanci and Tata like oil and water, maintaining their distance, with no need to worry about encountering any improper scenes upon entering.
"By the way, is the Cat Boss there?"
Hyperion felt unusually doubtful today.
